ABOUT AMPI:

AMPI owns seven Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation's American-type cheese, processed cheese and butter is produced. The cooperative's award-winning cheese, butter and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled butter makers, and cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

1. Responsible for operating machines at a safe and efficient level according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to fulfill plant production demands.
2. Operator will follow equipment procedures when performing start-up, shut-down, Clean In Place (CIP), and while troubleshooting equipment when appropriate.
3. Responsible for following measurements, adding ingredients to the machine and overseeing the cheese blending process to ensure proper moisture content and consistent quality product.
4. Record and maintain all related documentation, usage and ingredients per SOP.
5. Document and communicate production deficiencies to supervisors and management.
6. Report and communicate critical information during shift change overs.
7. Use cooker thermometer and chart recorder to track cheese temperature, including the proper use, cleaning and storage of tools to ensure quality specifications are met.
8. Continually monitor cheese and machines for compliance with specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
9. Performs required product testing and communicate with the lab to maintain proper moisture content and ensure specifications are met.
10. Provide assistance to the maintenance personnel for machine repairs or troubleshooting.
11. Assist with general cleaning and housekeeping throughout the plant as needed.
12. Adhere to all aspects of company and customer safety, sanitation, and site policies.
13. Assist with training new employees.
14. Adhere to all Quality, Food Safety, Safety and GMP policies and procedures, reporting any nonconformity.
15. Other duties as assigned.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt within a constantly changing and demanding environment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the products manufactured and the processes involved.
• Must be able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to communicate effectively in order to maintain high levels of safety, quality and efficiency.
• Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and company guidelines in order to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Ability to understand daily production needs.
• Participation in a team environment.
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge.
• Understanding of SOPs and ability to follow written instruction.
• Exceptional communication and critical thinking skills.
• High level performance in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of equipment operations and troubleshooting ability.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work directly with cross-functional teams and/or individuals.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and prioritize.
• Detail oriented, be quality minded.
• Able to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess traits of honesty, integrity, creativity and flexibility.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• 2 years relevant work experience preferred.
• Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred.
• Prior experience in manufacturing is a plus.
• Knowledge of HAACP, GMPs, OSHA and loss control programs is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Manufacturing - Work is performed in a manufacturing plant. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee will frequently have to walk and stand. The employee should have the ability to regularly lift up to 55lbs. The employee must be able to push and pull up to 75lbs. Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevations above 4 feet. Employees are regularly exposed to cold temperatures when performing tasks in storage areas. Employees are regularly exposed to warm or hot temperatures with moderate to high humidity levels varying based on the location of the work area. The employee is regularly exposed to wet walking surfaces. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manufacturing - Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock, wet work conditions, fumes or airborne particles. Employee is occasionally exposed to warm conditions with regular exposure to temperature conditions in excess of 100*F or cold temperatures when working in cold storage areas. The employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. Employee is regularly exposed to chemicals during sanitation processes. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally at a high level. The employee is not routinely exposed to weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to very low levels of ammonia.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Personal protective equipment is required depending on the job being performed, including protective eye wear, or face shields, hearing protection, hair and beard nets, uniforms and footwear. Additional equipment is required when working with chemicals, such as rubber gloves and use of chemical proof aprons as appropriate for the job being performed.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military and veterans are encouraged to apply.

High School (preferred)

*Prior experience in manufacturing (preferred)
*Prior experience in the dairy or cheese industry is preferred (preferred)
2 years relevant work experience (preferred)